How to Extend the Life of Your Garage Door With Proper Care and Maintenance
The life of your garage door and garage door opener can be greatly extended with proper care and garage door maintenance. It’s not a small job, and it will require you to be prepared with the tools you’ll need to do an excellent job. You’ll want to have the right kind of springs, rollers, hardware, and weatherstripping. If you don’t take care of these items, you’ll find that your door will break down faster than you’d like.
Rollers
For starters, you should always make sure your garage door is properly balanced. When your garage door isn’t in a perfect position, you run the risk of causing unnecessary damage to your garage.
You also want to be sure to clean and lubricate the door on a regular basis. This will keep it functioning smoothly and prevent rust and corrosion. Proper lubrication is especially important for garage doors with metal moving parts.
One common problem with garage door rollers is wear and tear. Over time, the rollers can become worn and damaged, causing them to become less effective at guiding the door along the tracks. This can result in the door becoming stuck or difficult to open and close. Additionally, worn rollers can also make loud noises when in use, which can be a nuisance for homeowners.
Another problem with garage door rollers is that they can become misaligned or out of track. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a door that is off balance, or a track that has become bent or twisted. When the rollers are out of alignment, they can cause the door to become stuck or to move unevenly, making it difficult to open and close. Additionally, rollers that are out of alignment can also put extra strain on the door opener, which can lead to a premature failure of the opener. Misaligned rollers can also cause the door to get off track, and can cause damage to the door and opener, in some cases.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is an important component of your garage door. It seals the door in place to protect it from unwanted visitors. In addition, weatherstripping helps control the temperature of your garage. Having good quality weatherstripping reduces your utility bills year round.
Having proper weatherstripping can also help your garage door last longer. By sealing the door, it can keep out water, cold air, and even snow. If you want to ensure that your door stays in good condition, you should have it checked at least once a season.
Your garage door’s weatherstripping will degrade over time. The stripping may break or crack. Degraded weatherstripping can allow moisture or debris into your garage.
Regular cleaning can keep your weatherstripping in good condition. Use a soft bristled brush to remove tough stains and wax deposits. A soft cloth can also be used to clean the exterior of your door.
When you see signs of wear, you should replace your weatherstripping. There are different types of weatherstripping available, and you can find out which is best for your door by speaking with a garage door specialist.
When it comes to selecting a type of weatherstripping, you should consider the materials that your door is made from. Is it made from steel? For example, if your door is dark or light colored, it is likely to be made of PVC. During prolonged exposure to the sun, PVC will absorb too much heat and start to warp.
Other factors to consider when selecting the right weatherstripping include the R-value of your garage door. Using a low-R-value door can increase your energy costs.
In addition, you should make sure that you clean the tracks of your garage door regularly. Dirt and mold build up can clog up these components.
Once you have removed all the dirt and dust from your tracks, you can apply a silicone lubricant. Doing so will help prevent the rubber gasket from drying.
Springs
The lifespan of your garage door springs depends on several factors. This includes the construction of the garage, its use, and how it is maintained. In order to make sure that your springs last a long time, it’s important to know how to care for them.
First, you must know the different types of garage springs. There are two types: torsion and extension. They each have their own specific features. For example, the torsion spring is the more durable of the two. A torsion spring is installed at the top of the door and plays a key role in lifting and shutting.
To extend the life of your torsion spring, you should check to see if it is lubricated. You can find a good lubricant in your local hardware store. If it is not, you will need to perform a maintenance to clean it.
Extension springs also have a variety of functions. Some of them include lifting and closing the door, and extending it. However, these are more complex to install and maintain. Therefore, you should have a professional do the job.
Torsion springs, on the other hand, are easier to repair and maintain. Moreover, they can last up to seven years. Since they operate with a high amount of torque, you should always make sure that they are properly oiled.
Similarly, it’s also important to maintain the correct alignment of your garage door. Otherwise, it will fly up at a faster speed and cause damage.
One way to do this is to install spring clips at the ends of the springs. These clips help to distribute tension on the springs, which prevents wear and tear.
In addition to installing the best type of springs, you should consider other ways to increase the longevity of your garage door. For instance, you should inspect the cable regularly and replace it when necessary. It is also a good idea to use silicone-based lubricant to help prevent rust.
Lastly, you should have a manual handy to learn about all the parts of your garage door. Having this knowledge will make you aware of the best maintenance techniques.
Hardware
Garage door hardware, such as springs, rollers, and tracks, can become worn out over time due to regular use and exposure to the elements. The springs, which are responsible for lifting the door, can lose tension and become weaker, making it harder for the door to open and close. The rollers, which help guide the door along the tracks, can become worn and damaged, causing the door to become stuck or make loud noises when in use. The tracks can also become bent or clogged with debris, preventing the door from moving smoothly.
When garage door hardware becomes worn out, it can greatly affect the life of the garage door. A door that is difficult to open or close can become a safety hazard, and a door that is making loud noises can become a nuisance. In addition, a garage door that is not functioning properly can also cause damage to the door itself, resulting in costly repairs or the need to replace the door entirely. It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain garage door hardware to ensure that it is in good working condition, in order to extend the life of the garage door.
Conclusion
Maintaining your garage door is a good way to ensure it will last for years. To do this, you need to know how to care for each part.
You can also make regular maintenance appointments with your garage door company. Keeping your garage door clean will also increase its lifespan.
In addition to maintaining your garage, you can also add protection to your family by installing auto-reverse. This feature reverses the door if something is blocking the door.
